San Marino is almost the size of a town in terms of surface area, but it is definitely worth discovering with its history, nature and unique atmosphere.
San Marino may look like a tiny dot on the map, but it is actually one of the most interesting and deep-rooted countries in the world! This small republic, which stands like a time capsule in the centre of Italy, has achieved great success by maintaining its independence throughout history. It is among the smallest countries; in fact, only Monaco and Vatican City are smaller than it! But its real size is hidden not in its surface area, but in the splendour of its history. Because San Marino is the oldest independent republic in the world, founded in 301 and survived for more than 1,700 years! In other words, it is like a living historical artefact that has emerged from the dusty pages of world history and has survived to the present day!
San Marino is so small that you have to look at the map with a magnifying glass!
The country is about 13 km long and in the middle of it there is a huge rock called Mount Titano. But don’t let its small size fool you! Because this is such a place that in a few hours you can move from mountain peaks to lush green valleys, from narrow historical streets to fairytale squares. And right in the centre of a world heritage site! Yes, the historical centre of San Marino is protected by UNESCO.
If you want to get a dose of history while you are here, you can hop in your car and reach Rome in just 4 hours. History upon history, beauty upon beauty!
A paradise for nature lovers!
The nature of San Marino is as full of surprises as the country itself. Get ready to see olive trees, lush valleys, ancient forests and colourful wildflowers. A paradise for nature lovers!
But if you think plants are not enough, welcome to the animal kingdom. Foxes, rabbits, hedgehogs and lots of bird species roam here. This place is great for bird watchers, there are many species you can see.
But beware! Wild boars also live in the wild nature of San Marino. Is it cute? Yes, they are. But they are not friendly if they feel threatened! It is better to be a little cautious when hiking in the countryside.
The weather in San Marino is perfect all year round
San Marino is also a place that will make you smile with its weather. Summers here are warm and comfortable (around 25°C on average), while winters are not too harsh (10°C on average).
But look, an important warning: San Marino is usually a place where it rains a lot! So if you are planning a trip to this mini country, make sure you pack an umbrella and raincoat. Otherwise, you may suddenly find yourself in the middle of a summer downpour.
By the way, one of the most beautiful times is spring and autumn. The weather is not sweltering and nature offers a perfect feast of colours. Especially in autumn, this place is a paradise for hiking!
Small but with a monster economy
Despite its small surface area, San Marino is economically very strong. Moreover, there are no big industrial zones or huge companies. So, how do you think it survives?
Answer: Tourism!
Although San Marino is not a huge tourist attraction, it is definitely high on the list of ‘European cities to put on Instagram’. Those who come here love to get lost in the narrow streets, watch the sunset from the hills and visit the historical castles.
But that’s not all! San Marino also has a well-developed agriculture (especially grapes and wheat), electronics production, jewellery design, furniture and cosmetics industries. There is also the fashion industry, which is a great place for those who really want to do boutique shopping.
The people here are Sammarinesi people who have been living on the same land for almost 1700 years!
When you walk the streets of San Marino, you can feel as if you are walking in history. Because the people here are Sammarinesi who have been living in the same land for almost 1700 years! The descendants of the people who have been living here since the 4th century still continue their lives in the same lands. Therefore, when you sit somewhere in San Marino and have a chat, the roots of the family of the person in front of you may be a thousand years old!
Of course, there are not only Sammarinese in San Marino. About 20 per cent of the population consists of Italians. Due to the location of the country, it is not surprising that it has close ties with Italy.
In addition, the vast majority of the people of San Marino have the Catholic faith and are spread all over the world through the diaspora. So you may be living in the same city with a Sammarinese without realising it!
Living in San Marino is a privilege. Health care is free, unemployment is almost non-existent, buying a house is easy…
San Marino is not only characterised by its history, but also by its high quality of life! Unemployment? That is not a big problem here! The state is constantly creating new job opportunities for its citizens.
Health care? Excellent! Everyone living here has access to free health care. There is a very favourable health care system, including medical check-ups, emergency care and support in old age. Education? The state pays for it! People living in San Marino can continue their lives without worrying about education costs.
Do you want to buy a house? The state provides support! There are financial assistance programmes offered by the state for those who want to own a house. Even if you don’t live in San Marino, if you are planning a trip here, don’t forget to get good travel insurance! Because although locals benefit from free health services, the situation may be different for tourists.
The capital of San Marino is like a fairy tale
San Marino is not only a place full of history, but also a fascinating city that offers a visual feast! The capital city of San Marino sits at the top of Mount Titano and when you arrive you feel like you are in a film scene!
Here are some of the great things you can do here:
Visit the Guaita Tower: This majestic tower is one of San Marino’s most famous landmarks! From here you can enjoy breathtaking views.
Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets: The city is like an open-air museum with its winding stone roads.
Take the cable car: From the top of the mountain you can look down on the city with a unique view!
Go shopping: The city is full of tax-free shops, souvenir shops and boutiques!
It’s also very close to the Italian seaside town of Rimini. So you can create the perfect route for a summer holiday!
San Marino has one of the oldest parliaments in the world
San Marino is governed by a parliamentary system that has not changed since the 1600s. There is a parliament called the Grand and General Council, which creates and administers the laws of the country. This parliament consists of 60 members and is renewed every five years. Thus, the participation of the people in the government is ensured and democracy is aimed to remain strong.
But not every citizen can enter this parliament! If you want to become a member of parliament in San Marino: You must be at least 25 years old. You must be a citizen of San Marino. You must not work for the police or any other organisation with a conflict of interest.
In other words, the political system here is governed by a long-established tradition in which the people are truly represented.
Easy crossing to Italy
San Marino is located in the north-east of Italy and is very close to the city of Rimini on the Adriatic coast. When you arrive here, you can easily cross into Italy by road.
But beware, San Marino does not have its own airport! If you want to fly here, the nearest airport is Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini.
And the most fun part… San Marino does not put an official stamp in your passport! But don’t worry, there is a special souvenir stamp for tourists. If you want to leave a memory of San Marino in your passport, you can get this special stamp!
The post 9 Facts You Should Know About San Marino, The World’s Oldest Republic appeared first on NSF News and Magazine.